Wargaming Sets Its Sights On Console Game Development

Free-to-play MMO developer and publisher Wargaming (World of Tanks) announced its purchase of Day 1 Studios today, which will focus on the development of an unannounced console title. Wargaming intends to have Day 1 focus on console-focused gaming and multi-platform game development.

“The move into console game development is a huge step for Wargaming, as we begin to expand our presence into new platforms," says Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming. "We are looking forward to sharing the fruits of our labor soon."

Currently boasting 45 million players worldwide, Wargaming has directed its attention to its war series dedicated to mid-20th century warfare, two of which having release dates later this year. Recently, Wargaming announced its development of the Wargaming.net service. Wargaming is taking multiple steps to further its multiplatform development.

“Wargaming is a clear leader in the free-to-play space and helps set the standard on which all other games in the genre strive for," says Denny Thorley, new Head of Wargaming's Chicago-based studio. "Our team is extremely excited to start the first console project for Wargaming."

I hope their console games are more balanced than their PC counterparts. Trying to go up against tanks, planes, or ships even 1 level above you can be tough, but I was regularly matched against players who had vehicles 3 and even 4 levels above me. In a fight like that the only thing that'll save you is dumb luck.

Is Day 1's F2P mech game, and spiritual successor to Mechassault, Reign of Thunder, still in development then? Does this mean it's coming to consoles now too? F2P games welcome on PS3 already, and Nintendo says they'll probably do them on the Wii U. I imagine they'll be a big part of the Xbox 3 and PS4 as well...